Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
35
Views
0
Downloads
Additive effects of Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique with Aerobic Exercise on Cardiopulmonary Parameters and Quality of Life in Stage 1 Hypertensive Individuals
Faiza Waheed, Furqan Ahmed Siddiqi, Syeda Sumaira Batool, Muhammad Waleed Hassan and Inayat Ullah
Page: 41-47 | Received 20 Oct 2025, Published online: 13 Dec 2025
Full Text Reference XML File PDF File
Abstract
Hypertension is commonly referred to as elevated blood pressure. AHA/ACC guidelines published in the year 2017 documented normal BP as systolic <120 and diastolic <80 mm Hg (3). Stage 1 hypertension is characterized by systolic 130–139 or diastolic 80–89 mm Hg. Aerobic exercise may help with BP regulation and cardiac function and improve overall physical health. Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) technique is a well‐known method for relieving muscle tension. Considering the association between elevated SNS activity and hypertension, relaxation techniques like JPMR may stimulate the PNS, potentially improving cardiovascular health. Moreover, such interventions may improve QoL by promoting emotional and social well‐being. This study aimed to evaluate the additive effects of JPMR combined with aerobic exercise on cardiopulmonary parameters and QoL among individuals with stage 1 hypertension. A non‐blinded RCT was conducted recruiting forty participants aged 18‐45 years with stage 1 hypertension and mild to moderate physical activity levels who received referrals from medical specialists and cardiologists. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving aerobic exercise or an intervention group receiving JPMR along with aerobic exercise. The duration of the intervention was four weeks with five sessions per week. Outcome measures included BP, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, rate‐pressure product, and QoL (assessed via the SF‐36 questionnaire) and were recorded at baseline and post‐intervention. Within‐group analyses demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all measured cardiopulmonary parameters and quality of life scores after four weeks in both groups. Between‐group comparisons indicated significant differences only in the 'role limitation due to physical health' component and the 'health change' domain of the SF‐36 questionnaire.The findings suggest that both JPMR and aerobic exercise independently produce significant improvements in cardiopulmonary parameters and QoL among stage 1 hypertensive individuals. However, combining JPMR with aerobic exercise did not yield additional statistically significant benefits beyond those achieved by either intervention alone.
How to cite this article:
Faiza Waheed, Furqan Ahmed Siddiqi, Syeda Sumaira Batool, Muhammad Waleed Hassan and Inayat Ullah. Additive effects of Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation Technique with Aerobic Exercise on Cardiopulmonary Parameters and Quality of Life in Stage 1 Hypertensive Individuals.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.5281/zenodo.18173481
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.5281/zenodo.18173481